Chiefs draw confidence from Galaxy win before Soweto derby, says Vilakazi

Kaizer Chiefs will take renewed belief into Saturday’s Soweto derby after their 3-0 Carling Knockout victory over TS Galaxy, midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi says.

Chiefs face Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium at 3.30pm, with the Amakhosi regarded as underdogs after Pirates won four of the clubs’ past five meetings.

However, Vilakazi believes the result against Galaxy has lifted the team’s morale and eased concerns over their finishing.

“I expect a physical game. Pirates are a good team and they have been doing well, so even us, in our last game against TS Galaxy we scored three goals,” Vilakazi told the media after a press conference in Randburg on Thursday.

The 20-year-old said Chiefs had previously created opportunities without converting them, but the three goals against Galaxy had provided an important boost before facing their rivals.

“So, I think that will boost our confidence because we’ve been creating chances but not scoring. But in the last match, we scored three, and that will help us boost confidence. The chances we get we must use, otherwise they will punish us.”

Vilakazi was raised in Soweto and watched the derby at the stadium as a boy. After missing the past couple of fixtures against Pirates because of injuries, he is eager to play a part in Saturday’s match.

“It means a lot to me because as a young player growing up in Soweto, we used to go and watch the Soweto derby, but today I’m part of the players who will be playing. I thank God for the talent he gave me,” he said.

“I must focus on the game and play the football I know.”

Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, meanwhile, said the squad had become familiar with the high standards set by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ouaddou warned his players they needed to do more despite their 3-0 win over Milford on Tuesday, but Sibisi said the team understood the manager’s approach.

“For some of us who have been with him for the past season, it’s been easier for us to understand what he wants and what he demands,” Sibisi said.

“I think everyone who just came in also learned and understands him because he doesn’t demand good, he wants excellence. Whenever we win 3-0 or 4-0 or 8-0, he will say straight. He is a straight talker, so for us it is to take it in a positive manner and push.”

Sibisi added that victory in the derby would strengthen Pirates’ confidence as they target the remaining trophies.